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SMALL BUSINESS
America's Most
Obese Cities
Previous-
Getty Images
We are heavier than ever. Once considered an affliction of the lazy and indulgent, obesity now affects about one-third of Americans.
To determine which cities were the most obese, Forbes looked at 2006 data on body mass index, or BMI, collected by the Centers for Disease Control's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
Read About the Cities
Next: Memphis, Tenn. -
Carlo Allegri, Getty Images
No. 1: Memphis, Tenn.
Obesity rate: 34 percent
Among the causes researchers blame for obesity in Memphis: high rates of poverty and a culture of Southern hospitality and food that values certain types of dishes--many of them fried--over healthier choices.
More on Memphis
Next: Birmingham, Ala. -
Robert Sullivan, AFP / Getty Images
No. 2: Birmingham, Ala.
Obesity rate: 31.3 percent
As the second most obese city, 31.3 percent of Birmingham's residents have a BMI of 30 or higher. Since 2001, a local non-profit organization called Jones Valley Urban Farm has tried to promote healthy eating habits with community gardening plots.
More on Birmingham
Next: San Antonio, Texas -
Jill Torrance, Getty Images
No. 3: San Antonio, Texas
Obesity rate: 31.1 percent
Arguably the home base for calorie-rich Tex-Mex cuisine, this Texas city comes in a close third as the most obese. City officials, however, have taken note, and are exploring solutions.
More on San Antonio
Next: Riverside/San Bernardino, Calif. -
Mark J. Terrill, AP
No. 4: Riverside/San Bernardino, Calif.
Obesity rate: 30.8 percent
Despite efforts to promote safe streets and bicycle riding, the obesity epidemic is only getting worse: 30.8 percent percent of Riverside residents are obese, a 5 percent increase from 2005.
More on Riverside/San Bernardino
Next: Detroit -
Jeff Kowalsky, Getty Images
No. 5: Detroit
Obesity rate: 30.4 percent
Parts of this beleaguered city, where 33 percent of residents live below the poverty line, may qualify as a "food desert," a term used to describe urban areas devoid of healthy, fresh food choices. That may explain why 30.4 percent of its population, and that of the surrounding area, is obese.
More on Detroit
Next City: Jacksonville, Fla.
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